MA-RE-DESIGN Project Management and Plastic Pollution Specialist

Result of ServiceThe objective of this assignment aims to foster exchange in the East Asian Seas through the COBSEA intergovernmental mechanism and by leveraging UNEP’s networks. Activities aim to create long-lasting impact, benefiting policy decision makers, key stakeholders as well as populations in the region. Work LocationRemote/Home-based Expected duration10 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP Ecosystem Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) is a regional intergovernmental mechanism and one of 18 Regional Seas programmes with nine participating countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Viet Nam – aimed at the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment. COBSEA focuses on marine pollution, ecosystem-based marine and coastal planning and management, and ocean governance. The COBSEA Secretariat is hosted by Thailand in Bangkok and administered by UNEP. The Twenty-fourth Intergovernmental Meeting of COBSEA (IGM 24) adopted the 2019 Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) to guide regionally coherent action to reduce and prevent marine litter from land-based and sea-based sources, strengthen monitoring and assessment, and create an enabling framework for implementation. The ‘Marine litter prevention through reduction, sustainable design and recycling of plastic packaging’ (MA-RE-DESIGN) project, is implemented in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), with funding from the Government of Germany. MA-RE-DESIGN contributes to achieving the RAP MALI, and reducing plastic marine litter in the East Asian Seas region through capacity building and knowledge exchange of stakeholders in the region (including Thailand) related to reducing waste leakage and better management of plastic waste. Under the supervision of the COBSEA Coordinator, Contractor will provide technical support and data collection to achieve targets related to Output 4 of the project during the project extension (until July 2026). The post will be part of the Regional Seas Branch, Ecosystems Division of UNEP/COBSEA, supporting the implementation of COBSEA’s Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter. The consultant will have the following key responsibilities: 1. Preparation of detailed workplan for the assignments 2. Preparation and convening of SEA of Solutions 2025 Forum, in coordination with identified partners 3. Capacity building tools and training related to MA-RE-DESIGN project are identified and shared 4. Two good practice case studies based on MA-RE-DESIGN project outcomes in Koh Tao and Trang Municipalities 5. Collect data and prepare reporting for Output 4 for the MA-RE-DESIGN Project Qualifications/special skillsA postgraduate level university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in Political/Social Sciences, Development/Sustainability studies, Marine/Environmental Science/Management, or any related field is required.  A minimum of two years relevant work experience in project/programme management, sustainable development, environmental/public policy analysis, and/or knowledge sharing and training delivery is required.  Demonstrable experience working on marine litter monitoring and plastic pollution is required.  Experience in developing knowledge products, case studies, reports and similar is required.  Experience working with government officials and other stakeholders in the East Asian Seas region is required.  Experience in knowledge management, outreach, awareness raising, and knowledge sharing events is required.  Experience working with UNEP, COBSEA or other Regional Seas programmes is desired.  Prior experience working for the UN or other international/regional organizations is an asset. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: - Strong analytical, research and report writing skills are required. - Strong communication and relationship-building skills are required. - Ability to work independently with excellent time management is required. - Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment and to deliver under pressure/meet deadlines is required. - Innovative and creative, problem-solving skills is desirable. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.